Here it is the middle of August. I can't believe several weeks have already passed since I made an entry. I have spent the day getting ready for some upcoming craft shows. The first is in Suwanee, GA an upscale town. This is always a good show. It is the 3rd Saturday in September. My best sellers are bibs with cute sayings. People enter my booth and spend a great deal of time just reading them. This makes my booth look busy; which, attracts more people. I have also been working on key fob, headbands and handbags.
I enjoy making the handbags the most. I found the design for this handbag from another blogger. As soon as I find the
blogger's page again I will create a link in the My Favorite Internet Places. Anyway, it is very simple. Cut 8 strips of fabric for each side. The strips measure 11 inches long and they are 3 inches wide at the bottom and then taper to 2 inches at the top. Assemble the strips using 1/4 inch seams. Then use the completed piece of 8 strips to use as the pattern for the interface and lining. I used a purchased shoulder strap for the handle and added a tab closure with a covered button.
I think it turned out really cute. What a great way to use all of the pesky scraps.
Anyway, let me get back to how I am getting ready for my next craft show. I hope to have about 100 bibs finished, along with 50 headbands, 100 key fobs and other miscellaneous items. I should also have about 50 handbags ready to go. Everything still has to be priced and packed. I know this sounds like a lot; but, the following week I will be participating in the Duluth Fall Festival, in Duluth GA. This is a super great show. I will take everything I have to both shows. I like to set up my booth the night before the show begins. It takes me between three and four hours to get everything displayed just right. I am always amazed at those who can set up their tent and have everything display ready in an hour. How do they do it?
I have been a little concerned about sales for the upcoming craft show season. I have been reading a lot on line about how slow sales have been so far this year. I guess the price of gas has affected sales. The price of gas has gone down over the past few weeks. I saw a gas station near me yesterday that was selling gas for $3.52 a gallon. That's down over 50 cents a gallon over the last month. If the gas continue to trend down, that will be great for sales.
